To strengthen ties and enable a robust and resilient multi-religious, multi-cultural society in Suva, Fiji, Pescila Magdalin, the Interreligious Dialogue (IRD) Coordinator at the Columban Mission Office in Suva, along with the Columban fathers, continues promoting the apostolate of interreligious dialogue through various activities. Here’s a brief report.
Pilgrimage Walk
Early in the year about 26 mostly young people and adults representing Hindu and Christian faiths gathered for a pilgrimage walk. They visited five religious places of worship – the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral, hosted by Columban Fr Donal McIlraith; two Hindu temples; a Methodist Church; and a Hare Krishna temple. At every house of worship, the religious/spiritual leader prayed for peace in the nation and in Gaza in their own languages with the pilgrims. The pilgrims’ aim was to increase understanding and respect and strengthen good interfaith relations among religions. Many of the pilgrims said that they were inspired by the variety of ways in which humans seek God and God’s will for us.
Pilgrims visiting with Columban Fr Donal McIlraith at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Suva, Fiji.
Interfaith Prayer Session for the World’s Wildlife
In March, the Fiji Council of Churches (FCC) hosted an interfaith prayer session for the world’s wildlife. It was held in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment at the Anglican Cathedral in Suva. Pescila invited religious leaders and young people from Shri Sanatan Dharm and Arya Samaj Hindu temples, the Methodist church, the Presbyterian church, and the Muslim community to participate in the intercessory prayers.
Women’s Interfaith Group Visit Children’s Orphanage
In April, the women’s interfaith group of mostly Christian and Hindu women in Suva visited St Christopher’s Home for children, bringing with them donations of groceries, towels and bed sheets. The event aimed to foster interfaith understanding and compassion through the shared act of charity and the value of love, common to all their faith traditions. The day began with an interfaith prayer, a brief on the aim of the women’s interfaith group, a spiritual hymn, prayer for meals and for the children, and words of thanks. For the women involved, it was an experience to connect with others and find common ground in their shared work to spread love and kindness. The group is also planning a visit to the women’s prison later in the year.
Pescila Magdalin (far left) with members of the women’s interfaith group visiting St Christopher’s Orphanage.
Girmit Day Celebrations: Embracing Unity
On 25 May 2024, the Columban’s in Fiji marked Girmit Remembrance Day, a commemoration of the day the first Indian indentured labourers arrived in British-administered Fiji in 1879, with an interfaith gathering. Participants from the Baha’i faith, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim faiths gathered to reflect on the historical significance of Girmit Day. Through prayers, hymns, role plays, chants, and cultural traditions, participants displayed the richness of their respective faiths and cultures while fostering unity and understanding. About 70 people came together in solidarity, honouring the legacy of Girmit while celebrating Fiji’s religious and cultural diversity.
Participants from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds commemorate Girmit Day as an interfaith event hosted by the Columbans in Suva, Fiji.
Pescila Magdalin is the coordinator of the Interreligious Dialogue Columban Mission Office in Suva, Fiji.
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin.